Technical Abstract:
A wet trap had been used for capturing noctuid moth pests of apple that are attracted to acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol (AA-IAA lure), with acetic acid formulated in the drowning solution and 3-methyl-1-butanol released from a polyethylene dispenser mounted inside the trap (Landolt 2000). This trapping system is problematic in that trapped moths are difficult to identify, decomposing insects alter the odor chemistry and decrease attractiveness, and the method of dispensing attractants does not permit release rate optimization. An alternative design has been developed, incorporating a different method of dispensing the attractant from a dry trap. In this modified and improved system, acetic acid and 3-methyl-1-butanol are released from separate polypropylene vials, with a 3 mm diameter hole in each vial lid to permit the evaporation of the chemical. These two vials are placed inside the bucket of the Universal moth trap, along with Vaportape to kill attracted moths. The rate of release of both chemicals from this system was found to be nearly constant over a period of 28 days, with no decrease in release rate over time. Because moths are normally dry in the trap and are killed quickly by the Vaportape, identification of specimens is much easier and there is little decomposition.